Kahit na hindi siya gaanong nakatulog ng nagdaang gabi, maaga pa ring nagising si Tala kinabukasan. She wanted to talk to Knoxx first hour in the morning tungkol sa pagtatangka ulit sa buhay ni Atlas. And while she knew they are thousands of miles away from New York now, ayaw pa rin niyang magpakampante. She still needs to secure her son.Kaya kahit na ayaw pa sana niyang kausapin si Knoxx dahil sa mga pinagsasabi nito kagabi, she forced herself to get up on the bed and prepare herself to meet him Atlas was still sleeping and she hopes that her son continue doing so habang kausap niya ang ama nito. She had a quick shower and changed into a simple dress that is not too casual nor formal. Naglagay din siya ng kaunting make-up at inayos ang buhok niya. After she’s satisfied to the reflection of herself she was seeing on the mirror, she took a deep breath and went out of Atlas’ room.Maingat niyang binaybay ang daan pababa sa hagdan hanggang sa marating niya ang salas.“Goodmorning, Ma’a
Tala was silently watching Knoxx as he carefully swirls the ice cubes inside his glass. They had been talking for some time now. At himalang hindi pa sila nag-aaway. They were talking about trivial things like how his ancestors claimed and conquered the land that is known as Maritria—a breakaway and fusion from two opposing ancient empires which has learned that peace and harmony is the only key for their survival through the modern world. Too bad, that centuries of peace and harmony was slowly crumbling down with the unknown enemy aiming to slay all the heirs to the throne.“I’m sorry,” pukaw nito sa kanya maya-maya.Agad siyang bumaling dito. “For what?”“For being an asshole last night. I shouldn’t have yelled at you or say those things to you. I’m just… just…” Hindi nito itinuloy ang nais nitong sabihin. Tahimik lang nitong muling dinala sa bibig nito ang hawak nitong baso ng alak at inubos ang laman niyon.She felt the air between them suddenly shifted and she chose not to answer
Tala was a little disoriented when she woke up the next morning. She barely slept because of the steamy-gone-wrong encounter she had with Knoxx last night. At kung siya ang tatanungin, mas gusto na lang niyang magkulong sa kwarto nila ni Atlas buong araw. Kaya lang, nagising siyang wala na ang anak sa kanyang tabi. Marahil ay hindi na nito nahintay ang paggising niya kaya kusa na itong lumabas ng kwarto upang mag-agahan.With a sigh, she forced herself to sit on the bed. Noon niya napansin ang isang tray na puno ng breakfast food sa bedside table. Agad na lumipad ang kanyang tingin sa orasan na naroon din. It was past 9 in the morning. No wonder hinatiran na siya ng pagkain ng kung sino man.After last night, she wouldn’t want to assume anymore that Knoxx might be the one who prepared the breakfast tray for her. Dahil bakit pa? Sa anong dahilan na paghahandaan siya ng pagkain ngayong umaga? For all she knew naroon na naman ito kay Genevieve doing whatever under the sun.She huffed and
"Mommy, do you know when Dad's coming home?" inosenteng tanong ni Atlas kay Tala. Sandali siyang natigilan. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasagutin ang anak. 'We value our servants, Ms. Sandejas. Some of them came from families who had served the royal family for generations. Felicia is one of those. Why do you think despite of all the dangers around us, my son allowed Felicia to work in his own place? That's because we trust her. More than you even.... Just because you married my son and gave birth to another prince, doesn't make you one of us, nor own the power any of us posses. As for most of us, you are still an outsider. One who have yet to prove her loyaty to the crown. And I'll make sure that you'll be punished even at one small hint of disloyalty. Mark my words.' Muling bumigat ang dibdib ni Tala sa mga salitang binitiwang ng ina ni Knoxx kanina nang bigla itong sumulpot sa bahay ni Knoxx matapos niyang palayasin si Felicia. At lalo lamang siyang nagngitngit sa naalala. Why, t
Sandali pang pinagmasdan ni Tala sina Knoxx at Genevieve. They were smiling and talking at each other like they weren’t there. It was as if they were caught up in their own little word and none of them existed. Even if another A-bomb will be thrown at them, they'd probably wouldn't move. That's how entranced they were for each other. Ridiculous and pathetic, lihim niyang sabi. Kahit na nang bumaba siya sa sasakyan habang karga si Atlas, hindi rin siya tinulungan ni Knoxx. It was Ander who helped her. It was as if Knoxx’s duty was just to bring her and her son there and forget about them right after, just like what he did for the past days. She bit the insides of her cheeks, trying to control her emotions. Subalit nang biglang lumapit ang isa sa mga palace maids sa kanya at sinubukang kunin si Atlas, nagtaas na siya ng boses. “No. Why are you taking my son from me?” asik niya sa babae na nakasuot ng kaparis na uniporme ni Felicia. Kumurap ang katulong, alanganing bumaling sa dir
“I’m glad you finally agreed to have this afternoon walk with me, Knoxx. The Azalee des Merveilles will be in full bloom in a few days. Since, everyone is already here inside the palace, you’re mother and Lady Karolina asked me to organize a tea party celebrating the blooming of your grandfather’s favorite flower. Isn’t that exciting? It’s like when we were kids, Knoxx!” Genevieve declared in a happy tone as they had that long walk towards the greenhouse near the palace garden. And in as much as he wanted to be excited with the activity she’s been planning, for indeed they haven’t had that in years, he just can’t. Dahil kahit na naroon siya at naglalakad kasama si Genevieve, ang isip niya nasa mag-ina niya. Today, just like the last few days, had been exhausting for him. Not just because of the threats still lurking around his family, but the physical feat of dividing his time and attention between Genevieve and Tala and Atlas. He released a slow breath and tried to concentrate as t
“Why do you keep on making a scene, Ms. Sandejas? This is the royal palace. The residence of the king. Don’t you have any manners at all?” painsultong tanong ni Princess Marciana sa kanya, ang ina ni Knoxx. The princess forced her into the room assigned to her, as explained by Ander earlier, after the royal guards forced to take her son away from her.She tried to fight them off, but they were too many. Leaving her more furious than ever.She looked at the regal princess in front of her and wiped her tears away. Kung akala nito wala siyang manners, then she better live up to her expectation to satisfy her.“Right, I don’t have manners, Her Highness.” She spoke her royal title full of spite. “I have no manners when the welfare of my son is on the line. You can call me names, hurl insults at me and even sentence me to death, but I will not let you or any authority in this country call the shots when it comes to my little boy,” she declared full of determination.If standing up for what
Mabibigat ang hakbang ni Knoxx habang palayo siya sa opisina ng kanyang tiyuhin. He just finished talking to the king and he doesn’t feel any better. Why his uncle, the king, just told him that not introducing Tala yet as his wife is all for the best of the crown! And whatever he meant by that beats him. Hindi na niya pinatagal pa ang pag-uusap nila. He was too confused and angry with what’s happening that he knew it’s better that he leaves the presence of the king before he could do something he’d greatly regret after. Just like that one time with his grandfather when he…He took a deep breath and shook his head. He must not allow memories of his past mistakes cloud his logic now. Not to mention, he has yet to talk to his parents… again. Of which he just knew would just be echoing the decision of the king.He raked his hand through his hair, cursing himself. If only he didn’t act on his anger and brought Tala and Atlas there at the palace, none of those would’ve happened. But it is w
Tala slowly gave her reflection on the mirror a once over. On her was a black silk dress; an exquisite diamond necklace Knoxx had given her on their anniversary; and of course her favorite pumps produced by her very own brand, Stella. She tried, but she cannot help herself but smile. Why wouldn’t she, life has been so good to her for the past two years. After that heartfelt reunion she and Knoxx had at her parent’s house in Manila, she officially became Mrs. Stavropolous, again, that very same day. After her parents and the rest of her family came back from their quick tour at Asteri Island, that is. Hindi niya alam na sa buong panahon na asar na asar siya kay Knoxx dahil hindi ito nagpapakita sa kanya, pasimple na pala nitong hinahanda ang kasal nila with the help of her Auntie Sam and her parents. Yes, her parents did a great part on the display of ‘sea-of-roses’ inside their house. Her father proudly admitted that himself right after the wedding. Knoxx then had decided to move h
Tala's heart instantly hitched, turning around as quick as she could. And there she saw him, under the bright morning sun, just a few steps away from her, the prince who’ve swept her off her feet since their crazy wedding night, Prince Knoxx Iossif Stefanos Stavropolous. She quickly gave him a once over and he never disappoints! Her prince is as handsome as ever. He grinned, making her eyes roll in fake annoyance. Agad siyang namaywang. “Why are you here? And where are the people of this house? What did you to my parents, Knoxx? And Atlas, where is my son?!” sunod-sunod niyang tanong sa mataas na tinig. Knoxx gave her a heart-stopping smile, making her want to rush to him for a hug. But she stilled herself. She must not let logic falter now. They must talk. They must. “You don’t have to worry, mi bella. Everyone’s safe. And regarding your question, I came here to explain—“ “I already know everything. Everything,” she said, cutting his words. He paused and stared at her for a whil
“Arise, shine, Star Princess!” anang pamilyar na tinig ng Mommy ni Tala na siyang nagpagising sa kanya. She gently opened her eyes and the warmth of the morning sun coming through the big windows of her bedroom greeted her. Pasimple siyang nag-inat at umayos ng pagkakahiga sa kama. She saw her mother arranging another bouquet of pink Ecuadorian roses on the vase on top of the bureau inside her room. “Another one?” she asked, gently pushing herself to sit on her bed. Her mother smiled. “Yes, princess. Your husband doesn’t miss a day,” anang kanyang ina bago muling ipinagpatuloy ang pag-aayos sa mga bulaklak. Husband. She still can't believe that the arrogant prince made her go through all the tears and heartaches for nothing. Knoxx is still her husband or so her father had told her. These days, her parents are openly discussing about Knoxx, especially her Dad. And she is more than relieved to know that despite his absence, Knoxx is slowly making his way through her parents' hearts.
Knoxx heaved a sigh as he stared at his phone, recalling the brief conversation he just had with Tala. Talagang ayaw pa rin talaga siya nitong kausapin. Well, with his wife’s temper he knew that the whole ‘getting-back-together’ plan he had in mind would surely be a feat. But that doesn’t mean he is giving up. He’s just… being considerate given Tala’s condition.Olivia had given her last night an earful of dos and don’t’s when it comes to dealing with pregnant women. At totoong nakinig siya. He clearly remembered how his bratty princess of a cousin reminded him over and over again that pregnant women must always have things their way. And that’s what he just did. Hopefully, that by giving in with Tala’s wishes for now, lumamig na rin ang ulo nito sa kanya at tuluyan na siyang kausapin pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.Pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.He sighed and put his phone back to his pocket. Pagkatapos niyon ay pinagmasdan niya ang royal ring sa kanyang palasingsingan. His Majesty gave it
“Yes, Genevieve seduced me and I gave in. I allowed her to fool me and get the better of me. I-I’m sorry,” said King George, still lying down on his hospital bed. Makahulugang nagkatinginan sina Ares at Knoxx, sharing the same gleam of anger in their eyes towards their enemies who had made them suffer for years. Kararating lang nila mula sa Pilipinas at doon sila sa ospital dumiretsong magkapatid. At first Knoxx was conflicted to leave Manila. Bakit hindi, inaayos pa niya ang gusot sa kanila ni Tala tapos aalis siya? If it wasn’t for his mother’s persuasion to go home, baka nagpa-iwan na siya. But he’s glad he did go home. Because if he didn’t, he would’ve missed the clan’s meeting and his Uncle George’s confession. Yesterday, they were informed that his Uncle George had already opened his eyes. But the doctors didn’t allow any member of their family to talk to him just yet. They had to make sure that the King’s condition is stable and that he is ready to receive visitors. It took a
“Ano pang tinatanga mo d’yan? I told you to leave, haven’t I?” gigil na singhal ni Tala kay Knoxx. She really cannot believe he’s inside her room right now, and lying on the bed with her, her very own bed! Nasa baba lang ito kanina a, kasama sina President Tuazon at Ares. Paanong naroon na ito agad sa kwarto niya? Pinaakyat na lang ba ito ng mga kaanak niya nang gano’n-gano’n lang? Imposible. Her Dad hated Knoxx’s guts noon pa. And she’s sure her father, hated Knoxx all the more after everything that has happened between her and her ex-husband. So how in the world was he there inside her room—comfortably sitting on her bed looking more handsome than she remembered? She tried to get her wits straight as she questioned herself. But all she could ever think were all the awful—morbid even- thoughts on how Knoxx ended up inside her room. She groaned inwardly as panic and anger instantly rose in her chest.Pagdating talaga kay Knoxx, ni minsan, hindi umayos ang huwisyo niya. Tumikhim si
The dinner was filled with formal talks about business, leading a country and current events. The topics were of his interest but when Atlas finished his food, Knoxx excused himself to spend more time with his son.They were by the receiving room, playing a race game on his son’s IPAD when Joshua approached him again, asking him to step inside the library. Agad siyang nagpaalam kay Atlas at nagsimulang maglakad pabalik sa library. He glanced at Ares who was walking towards the lanai with the rest of the Sandejas family and President Tuazon. His brother grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up. For what, he does not have any idea. Pagdating sa loob ng library, agad na nagsalita ang Daddy ni Tala. “There are three things you must know before we move forward from here. First, I hate you. That won't change even after a million years. Second, I still think you don’t deserve my daughter nor my grandson. Understand?” “I understand, Sir. And the third?” Sandali siyang tinitigan ni Joshua.
Knoxx had been in many difficult meetings and negotiations his entire life. He had been exposed to such since he was younger for he’s been born a leader, one who's supposed to see beyond the mist—composed, level-headed, sure with just about everything. But right there, in front of Tala’s parents, Knoxx felt like he has just been thrown in the water when he doesn’t know how to swim. Nangangapa siya at halos hindi niya alam ang sasabihin. If he’d be honest, his knees were shaking like a fckin leaf. Well, he should be. Noong huli niyang makaharap ang mga magulang ni Tala, nangako siya na iingatan niya ang mag-ina niya. And the events that had led them into that situation clearly proved, he had not been taking care of his family like he promised. He doesn’t even want to lie either or appear to be all righteous in the midst of the chaos. Because at that point, he knew, alam na ng mga magulang ni Tala ang mga nangyari rito sa pananatili nito sa Maritria. He cannot deny any of it. So he wan
“I dont’t know what got into your head and created trouble inside the hospital. Sa pagkakaalam ko, malinaw ang pagkakasabi ko kay Quint na galit sa inyo ang mga Sandejas,” sermon sa kanila ni Kylie habang ginagamot nito ang sugat ni Ares. Naroon sila sa isa sa mga treatment room sa emergency ward. A different doctor, a resident he presumed, was attending to Knoxx and dressing his wounds. “Bakit ako ang pinapagalitan mo? It was all Knoxx’s fault! I had warned him dozens of times—Ouch! Dammit! That’s hurts, Dr. dela Vega!” reklamo ng kapatid niya, panay ang ngiwi habang patuloy si Kylie sa pagdampi ng antiseptic sa sugatang mukha nito. “And it will hurt more if you’d continue complaining, Prince Ares!” gigil na sagot ni Kylie, patuloy sa pagdiin ng bulak sa mukha ng kapatid niya. Ares complained again, louder this time. Knoxx huffed. Why can’t his brother keep quiet? Hindi ba nito nahahalata na sa bawat reklamo nito, siya ring pagdiin ni Kylie sa mga sugat nito? Quint’s cousin surel